[Well, he hit a nerve there, but he isn't quite sure which nerve... probably the one about going to medical. His eyebrows go up -- as much as they can, anyway -- but he sounds unperturbed when he answers.]

I'm not particularly close to dying either... probably further than you, I think. As I said, I have a slight advantage. I mentioned the nanites to you before. My lungs are getting irritated, and I wouldn't be surprised if there were microscopic perforations -- there's blood sometimes -- but it seems to come and go. Silicosis is still a long-term risk, however.

Do you want to be treated less delicately?

[It's not actually that common for him to make an effort to seem -- be -- kind and solicitous, particularly one that involves actually seeking someone out.]